A talented young pilot and her homing pigeon join the war effort in this debut YA historical novel set in the 1940s.
The first time Frances Finkel flew a plane, “she knew it was where she belonged.” At the age of 17 in November 1941, she’s already logged 2,500 flight hours and is a skilled mechanic in her father’s maintenance shop at Seal Rock Airport in Oregon. After Fran’s twin brother, Danny, died and her mother left, Joel Finkel has kept a close eye on his daughter and her younger brother, Seamus. But Fran is restless, longing to make her mark as an aviator and join the community of female pilots. Women aren’t allowed to serve in the Army Air Force, but Fran—who believes in following the “laws of attraction” and manifesting your desires—doesn’t give up hope. After turning 18 in September 1942, Fran jumps at the chance to participate in a secret military project recruiting women to ferry planes from factories to air bases. She’s aided by her passenger pigeon, Easter, who can send messages for her. Fran amply proves her worth and embraces the female pilot community while also discovering more about her mother, facing loss, and finding romance. In her book, Mahoney throws light on the neglected contributions of female pilots in World War II. She conveys not just the importance of the work, but also its dangers and, often, its tremendous fun—as when an assignment in Hollywood leads to Fran’s dancing with movie star Gregory Peck. Fran’s character development nicely tracks with her growing responsibilities. Although the Law of Attraction philosophy might seem contemporary, it has roots in the 19th century, so the author’s historicity is sound.
An entertaining, well-researched aviation tale that allows its hero to soar.
A valiant tale of achieving your dreams and overcoming the odds to do so.
‘Frances Finkel and the Passenger Pigeon’ by D.M. Mahoney is a valiant tale of achieving your dreams and overcoming the odds to do so. A historical fiction tale based on WWII, we follow the eighteen year old Fran, a competent pilot eager to play her part as a pilot in WWII.
With a tale of friendship and family intertwined as Frances seeks adventure as part of the air force. Although set well within 1940s America, I feel that this storyline will feel relatable to modern teen readers. The coming of age themes throughout seem universal, as are the themes of loss, new friendships, determination and positivity. It’s brilliant to have books that shine a light on strong female lead characters and even better when these books are based in part on the female history and participation in the war, something not always taught in schools.
I think that this book would appeal to historical fiction fans but it also has a wider audience as the main narrative follows a young girl dealing with grief and loss but determined to achieve her dreams, find where she belongs and do what she can to make a difference.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador